Three family members step into new roles at the iconic Willamette Valley winery and distillery
Newberg, OR, August 27, 2025— This summer, Trisaetum Winery proudly ushers in a new chapter in its family legacy as three members of the second generation join the leadership ranks of the 20-year-old winery founded by James and Andrea Frey.
The name Trisaetum is an amalgam of the names of James and Andrea’s two children, Tristen and Tatum. Since its founding in 2003, Trisaetum has grown from a small family dream into a renowned Pinot Noir and Riesling producer with over 40 Wine Enthusiast editor’s choice awards, several top 100 wine designations, and three wines served at the White House. James and Andrea have also expanded Trisaetum’s brand portfolio over the last 20 years to include the sparkling brand Pashey, Bordeaux-style wine producer 18401 Cellars, and Brixeur Spirits distillery. Throughout this growth, Trisaetum has remained 100% family-owned and operated, and now more than ever.
After two decades of winemaking, with only a few assistant winemakers working with him in the cellar, James Frey is now joined by his son-in-law, Jackson Harloff-Frey, who steps into the role of Assistant Winemaker. Jackson has both been lead distiller for Brixeur Spirits and cellar hand for Trisaetum for several years, and is looking forward to working alongside James, who will continue to guide the winemaking with his signature vision and artistry.
This summer also marked a personal milestone for the second generation: Jackson and Tatum Frey, high school sweethearts from McMinnville, were married in an intimate ceremony at one of the family’s estate vineyards. Tatum Frey has been a leader on the production team at Trisaetum since graduating university, and currently serves as lead distiller for Brixeur and enologist for Trisaetum.
Completing the family’s next-generation leadership team is James and Andrea’s son, Tristen, who returns to the winery as General Manager after a career in business strategy in NY. In his new role, Tristen will oversee operations across all four brands and work alongside the rest of the Frey family to position the company for continued growth and innovation.
“When Andrea and I started Trisaetum, we hoped it might someday support our family—and now to see our children not only working alongside us, but thriving in this business, brings us incredible joy,” said James Frey. “It’s one thing to hope your children get along; it’s another to see them collaborate under the daily demands of running a winery and distillery.”
About Trisaetum
Tucked in Oregon’s Ribbon Ridge AVA, Trisaetum Winery is known for its limited-production Pinot Noirs and expressive Rieslings, crafted from dry-farmed estate vineyards with minimal intervention. The winery is home to four distinctive brands:
- Trisaetum: Focused on Pinot Noir and Riesling from estate fruit, crafted with minimal intervention.
- Pashey: Traditional method sparkling wines, aged a minimum of three years on tirage.
- Brixeur Spirits: Small-batch spirits distilled with foraged botanicals.
- 18401: Bordeaux-style Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot wines sourced from premier vineyards in the Walla Walla Valley.
All wines and spirits are produced at Trisaetum’s winery and distillery in the heart of Oregon wine country.
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